7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cowans Gap State Park Campground houses upscale glamping accommodations within its wooded setting in Fort Loudon, surrounded by mountain vistas and a serene lake. The park's glamping options feature comfortable sleeping quarters with proper bedding, electricity for heating and cooling, and private fire rings with picnic tables for outdoor dining and relaxation. One reviewer highlighted, "Sites were spaced nicely with plenty of shade and a small creek backing up to the woods, creating a beautiful view." Luxury glamping tents and cabin-style accommodations provide a perfect balance of outdoor immersion with modern comforts, allowing guests to enjoy nature without sacrificing amenities. The campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities with heated bathhouses and showers, particularly appreciated by those seeking a more refined camping experience.
The lake at Cowans Gap serves as the centerpiece for glamping experiences, with a 1.5-mile trail encircling the water and providing easy access for glampers. Kayak rentals, fishing opportunities, and a swimming beach enhance the luxury outdoor experience, while multiple hiking trails with scenic mountain overlooks offer more adventurous options. According to a camper, "The bathhouse was clean, the lake is small but pretty, and the hikes around the lake and up the mountain on the ridge are as easy or as challenging as you want." Safari-style accommodations and yurt rentals are particularly popular during the park's open season from mid-April through late October. Evening programs like star watching and full moon walks add special touches to the glamping experience, though visitors should note there's virtually no cell service—creating a truly unplugged luxury retreat in the Pennsylvania mountains.
"This state park is at the top of the mountain and has a smaller lake perfect for a short kayak trip or fishing. Lovely views from the lake and very nice secluded sites."
"The pros:
- Easily accessible and CLEAN bathhouse and showers."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $48 / night
"This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."
"If you do not like kids running around (sometimes through your campsite to get to the creek) or lots of laughing and biking and ball-playing snd water-splashing… maybe don’t go here."
from $38 - $43 / night
"Activities for the kids, diner with a great breakfast selection and subs and pizza for dinner. Very clean facilities. Great staff. Delivery of wood or ice to your site."
"Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."
"We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience."
"They have tons of things for Children including a waterpark, a jumping pillow, ziplining, trick or treating, haunted trails, etc. The options are endless."
from $99 - $471 / night
"Superb campground with water and electricity hookups! Playground for children and creek access for fishing!"
from $22 - $95 / night
"Not a fan of kids running around through sites. The Elderberry and Deer Spring loops are no pets, but I’d like to see a no kids policy too. Kidding!"
"Stayed one night in September and had a nice level gravel site with fire pit, picnic table and bath house."
from $21 - $65 / night
"There are options for RV camping with electric, tent spots, small cabins, and the resort if you would rather have a more comfortable resort experience. Pets are allowed in a select few loops."
"We always try to book “outside” loop sites so we don’t have “back neighbors” but none near the lake were available, so we took our chances on an “inside” site in E loop."
from $23 - $29 / night
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"campground was pretty crowded, but the tent sites were secluded and well kept. staff was extremely helpful. close to the battleground and all attractions."
"Easy access to the lake from your site. Bath house is up at the top of the hill. Be prepared for that walk. Get water at the dump station on the way in!!!"
"We set our chocks and started our setup. The picnic table had a new seat on one side and was in great shape."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $200 / night
"Site was very shaded, and quite secluded. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped. Nice amount of space in between sites. Very short walk to bathhouse."
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
from $23 - $29 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
LegendWe spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutThe campground is a nice size with enough space between sites to feel as though you have some privacy.
We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind.
The boat launch is right there which we planned to paddle board in the morning, but got rained out. The river looks really nice and clean though.
Tables and fire pits are a great size. We saw some gorgeous stars as there isn’t any light pollution.
It’s only half hour from Berkeley Springs, so fill up your spring water for free there and then come enjoy the campsite!
Will definitely return.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
GuidePrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
RangerThis KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms
ScoutThe staff is certainly at the office not competent. Someone ran over my house when we were away and damaged it. The WiFi didn’t work any of the day but upon assistance request no one was willing to help. It couldn’t be worse. We have no other words except never a KOA location again.
Cowans Gap State Park Campground offers outdoor recreation options in Pennsylvania's mountain terrain. The area sits within the Tuscarora State Forest at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, surrounded by ridges rising to 2,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate rainfall throughout camping season.
Mountain biking trails: Seven Points Campground at Raystown Lake connects directly to the Allegrippis Trail system. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," notes one visitor who appreciates the technical terrain.
Water activities beyond swimming: Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA provides creek access for tubing and kayaking. "You can get a site along the creek where you can tube or kayak (they rent them out here)!" explains a camper. The facility offers equipment rentals for those without their own gear.
Historical exploration: Sites within 30 minutes of Fort Loudon provide access to significant landmarks. "Close to Antitiem battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)," reports one visitor, noting the diverse day trip options available from local campgrounds.
Creek-side camping sites: Twin Bridge Campground features waterfront sites along a small stream. "We had Site C, which was right on the stream. This was a very nice site and we had more space between us than others had," explains one visitor, highlighting the prime locations that fill up quickly.
Seasonal programming: Fall camping offers special experiences. "At Halloween they have a great haunted house," reports a KOA visitor. Another camper at Cunningham Falls State Park mentions, "We brought the grandkids out for a few days of relaxing and unwinding in the woods. The 3-yo had no issues on the trails."
Lake access without crowds: "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded. The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake," explains a visitor who appreciates the off-season experience when glamping close to Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Fort Loudon area have minimal connectivity. "Full moon walks add special touches to the glamping experience, though visitors should note there's virtually no cell service—creating a truly unplugged luxury retreat in the Pennsylvania mountains."
Varied terrain impacts site quality: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, "The campgrounds are very nice, two lakes with crystal clear water, camp store, the camp sites are spread out but still a lot of people, hence a lot of noise." Site selection matters significantly for privacy and comfort.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences temperature swings between day and night, especially in spring and fall. Pack layers for warmth, as temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees after sunset, even during premium glamping seasons from May through October.
Playground access: Accommodations with dedicated play areas reduce setup hassle. "Park friendly (spaces 1-30, Campground A), nice shower houses with heat, well laid out beach, beach house, watercraft rentals, friendly park rangers & staff, and in the center of trails galore!"
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing platforms provide learning experiences. One campground features "a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there," offering natural science education for children.
Swimming options: Jellystone Park in Williamsport provides extensive water features. "Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream / quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly," notes a visitor who appreciated the family-focused amenities.
Electric hookup logistics: Many glamping locations near Fort Loudon offer partial hookups. "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!" This matters for RV campers planning activities.
Leveling considerations: "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us." Preparation for uneven terrain helps ensure a comfortable glamping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Fort Loudon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Fort Loudon, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Fort Loudon, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 glamping camping locations near Fort Loudon, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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